Children Learn Through Play
Just two semesters away from graduation, I realized I was falling behind in a humanities course. I had the typical schedule of a final-year student—no classes before 9 a.m. or on Fridays—making it challenging to add another course.
Ultimately, I chose a child development course, thinking it might help me join the circle of eligible women for marriage. Surprisingly, it turned out to offer valuable insights for later in life.
Lately, I've been reflecting on my future and oddly, child development keeps coming to mind. One core concept related to this course is that children learn best through play rather than solely through traditional education. Embracing this concept offers a wealth of creativity to reclaim from our preschool years—an important insight for personal growth.
Five Tips to Regain Creativity in the Preschool Stage
Here are five tips to regain the creativity we once enjoyed in our preschool stage:
1. Find A Supportive Community
In preschool, support was abundant from parents, teachers, and neighbors, making mistakes rare. If you came home with a perfect test, your mom would proudly display it on the fridge. However, who supports you now? Surround yourself with those who fuel your creativity, benefiting from their enthusiasm.
2. Be Less Structured
The best play for kids is child-directed. When adults step in, their rules and structure can stifle creativity. Children thrive when given the freedom to explore. Embrace spontaneity and be less structured, as the more you focus on goal-driven tasks, the less creative you will likely be.
3. Limit Screen Time
These days, child development experts advocate for limiting children's screen time, referring to the time spent watching TV, using computers, playing mobile games, and similar activities.
Before today's technology, we were immersed in reading, drawing, playing, and mimicking our animated heroes. Now, as adults, we might be surprised by the screen time we log. Put away your device, visit the library, or take a stroll—anything to give your eyes a break from screens.
4. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Parents often overprotect their children. Yet, on the other hand, they're realistic, knowing they can't shield their kids all the time. Children might stumble and get a few scratches, as it's part of growing up. It's their responsibility to explore, understand cause and effect, and learn to assess risks.
Looking at your life now, you're prioritizing safety more than ever. While caution is crucial, consider taking calculated risks and physically and emotionally stepping beyond your comfort zone. Think about activities like rope jumping or mountain climbing for exploration.
5. Seek Amusement
Childhood brims with amusement and new experiences, mixing excitement and a bit of apprehension. Rediscover that joy, add some excitement to your life, and diversify your routine—travel, read, cook, learn, and do whatever it takes to uncover life's mysteries.
In Conclusion
We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. Rekindle your preschool creativity by embracing a childlike approach.
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